Programs

Leadership Pinebelt

Since 1989, Leadership Pinebelt has trained emerging and existing leaders in Greater Hattiesburg and serves as a catalyst for increasing diversity among future leaders. Each class session focuses on enhancing leadership skills and garnering a better understanding of the roles of Healthcare, Cultural Arts, Economic Development, Military and Industry in Greater Hattiesburg.

Leadership Pinebelt comprises a network of leaders and community volunteers who are committed to shaping our community. Each class encompasses a very diverse group of professionals who have attained leadership positions in their fields and are likely to be tapped for greater community responsibility. Through Leadership Pinebelt, each class learns ways to make a positive contribution to the community, develop and practice their leadership skills, and gain a more comprehensive background on the contemporary issues concerning the region.

Thank you for your interest!

Class of 2023 Nominations & Applications have now closed.

LEADERSHIP ALUMNI

LEADERSHIP PINEBELT 2022 DIRECTORY

Program Format

Orientation/Alumni Reception

Leadership Pinebelt Orientation is an introduction the program, class participants, the Area Development Partnership, Leadership Pinebelt Steering Committee, and Alumni. The class participates in a series of ice-breakers designed to help the class effectively communicate with one another and learn more about the program. Following the Orientation, Leadership Pinebelt Alumni hosts a welcome reception for the class.

REACH Course

Realistic Experiences and Challenging Horizons (REACH) is the most comprehensive ropes course in the Southeast, designed with both real and imaginary ground-based obstacles that present physical, mental, and emotional challenges to individuals/teams. The course, which is the first of its kind to be used by a hospital in the state, is now used as a training tool for patients, businesses, and civic clubs.

Community Needs

An in depth overview of needs and opportunities within the region, this session features presentations from non-profit organizations and educational institutions that need assistance with expanding their reach.

Retreat

The 2-day Retreat focuses on developing leadership skills in the areas of presentation, persuasion, creating visions and purpose, communications skills, self-empowerment and motivating others, conflict resolution and team building. This session features an individual personality assessment to determine strengths and weaknesses which ultimately enhances an individual’s ability to work effectively within a team.

Camp Shelby Tour

One of the region’s largest employers (2300), Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center is the largest reserve component training site in the state, covering 136,000 acres in Forrest and Perry Counties. Camp Shelby is the annual training location for National Guard and Reserve units located in Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee. The class will visit and tour Camp Shelby to learn about the economic impact it has on the region.

Health Services Tour

Greater Hattiesburg is considered the Healthcare Hub of Southeast MS. with two major hospitals and the largest multi-specialty clinic in the state at arm’s length. The class will hear presentations from various healthcare providers, and the education programs that are linked to them to garner an understanding of how these organizations work together to create a talent pipeline, and employ almost 7,000 of the region’s residents.

Manufacturing Tour

This session features an overview of the ADP’s role in business recruitment and expansion in the region, as well as hands-on tours of local manufacturing facilities. Presenters include representatives from the ADP’s Economic Development Division, and Pearl River Community College’s workforce training program.

Education

Hosted at William Carey University, the Education session will feature a panel discussion with University and K-12 administrators about current opportunities and challenges within the region. This discussion will also cover partnerships and alliances, as well as current and future programs.

History/Downtown Development

A walk-ride tour of downtown to showcase the rich history of the area, and plans for redevelopment. Local merchants, along with the Historic Hattiesburg Downtown Association, and the Hattiesburg Tourism Commission serve as historical references to the tour.

Government Symposium

This session features an in-depth overview of local, county state and federal government.

Leadership Roundtable

Roundtable discussion with CEO’s, and elected officials about the correlation between organizational and community leadership.

Graduation

The Leadership Pinebelt Graduation is the culmination of the program where the class will reveal their completed community projects, and is honored for completing the program.

*The Leadership Pinebelt Class develops community projects each year with the sole purpose of enriching the region’s quality of life. Some of these projects are completed in one year while others are on-going. No matter the status, these community-based projects are developed to make the place we call home a great place to work, play and stay.

Ambassadors

The Ambassadors assist the Chamber’s mission while gaining additional exposure for their individual companies. Serving as the Chamber’s goodwill arm, this group of recognized professionals interacts with fellow Chamber members to enhance the experience for all new and existing members. Ambassadors play a critical role in the orienting and engaging of new ADP members during their first year or membership, and also assist the membership team by providing leads and referrals.

Pine Belt Young Professionals

Pine Belt Young Professionals (PBYP) is a program of the Area Development Partnership dedicated to providing opportunities for young professionals to connect with each other and their community. Members of PBYP are between the ages of 21-45 and are currently living or working in Greater Hattiesburg. Membership in PBYP is $75 annually/$135 with meal plan, and is separate from ADP membership.

For more information about Pine Belt Young Professionals, CLICK HERE.